Police Investigating Off-Campus Robbery

Durham, NC - Police continue to search for a suspect involved in a robbery Wednesday of a BP Family Fare gas station at the corner of West Main and Ninth streets.

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Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times - whether at work, in class, at home or at a party. Don't walk alone at night and avoid unfamiliar, dimly lit areas.

Walk in groups or get a ride late at night by calling Van Services at (919) 684-2020. The vans operate on a limited schedule; geographic boundaries apply.

If you are being followed, go to the nearest populated, well-lit location and call 9-1-1. If you are walking, cross the street away from the person and go somewhere else such as a convenience store. If you are driving, you can go to the Duke Hospital emergency room or Duke Police headquarters at 502 Oregon St.

If a person confronts you and demands money or possessions, law enforcement officials suggest giving what is demanded and creating a safe distance.

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The robbery was reported at 1:42 a.m. after a man entered the business, pointed a gun at the clerk and took cash from the register before fleeing in a black SUV, according to Durham police spokeswoman Kammie Michael. No one was injured.

Duke University Chief of Police John Dailey said Duke and Durham police units began searching the area for the SUV, and Durham officers found the vehicle - abandoned and disabled - at Campus Drive and Anderson Street.

Police officers from Duke and Durham searched the area Wednesday morning, and a police dog tracked the suspect moving away from campus toward Duke University Road.

The suspect is described as a black male who is in his 40s. He has a beard and was wearing all black.

Due to the proximity to campus, Duke notified students and employees about the incident with a DukeALERT email and text.

While the crime is being investigated by the Durham Police Department, Duke police ask students and employees to report suspicious activity on campus by calling (919) 684-2444.

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200. CrimeStoppers pays cash rewards for information leading to arrests in felony cases, and callers never have to identify themselves.

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